I notice that you include a couple of welding rods? We are currently in the process of installing a alternator replacement welder:
http://www.zena.net/
It is being put in a L/C 79 pickup to save carrying around big welding plants in the back. So far the installation has been a bit of a hassle, but nothing too major. 200 amp welder with a continuous duty rating would be a pretty usefull thing. Maybe more the sort of thing for a support vehicle type scenario.

Of course the obvious one is also a tyre pressure guage! But I know that is really stating the obvious! Duck tape also a bit of an essential. A tyre valve tool - for removing valve cores and chasing the threads is also very small and might be usefull.
G

Gil, the welding rods are in there for that really dire emergency and I have to use the two batteries - not something I want to do:eek3: but when the chips are down. I've also got a couple of rods for cast iron ( can't remember which type) - these are invaluable for cracked exhaust manifolds - not ncessarily permanent but a good 'get you home' repair.

I've had cause to use a pop-rivet gun on every trip I've done so far, and a good selection of nuts/bolts/screws and washers has also been invaluable.
A pry bar has also come in handy a couple of times, and being a Land Rover owner, the most important tool of all - a BIG hammer :hammer:

I wouldn't leave home without a big hammer but then I'm a blacksmith:clap:

That's a very interesting bit of kit - look forward to hearing how it works out.

Big Hammer = BMW tool No 1 - the largest hammer you have. The second biggest is BMW tool No 2.


Land anchor = spare wheel burried in a hole. Best done in sand - easier to dig. Arr yes you do need a shovel!

The gas soldering irons are good .. but you can run out of gas .. 12v you'll probably not run out of.

------------------
I count epoxy, electrical tape etc as 'consumables' .. not tools as such but more along the lines of spares. Metal epoxy is good stuff these days .. can be used on exhaust bits, fuel tanks, radiators ..

Hello,

Has any one tried ReadWelder? Any good?

reason I said gas was....
 

Frank, reason I said GAS as opposed to a 12v was, Faster heat up time... Hotter & usually Variable heat, good for heatshrink too, your NOT limited to a cable therefore can be used anywhere, even away from the vehicle.
carry a couple of Gas canisters for refilling ( about 1.50 each) and if your worried about heat affecting them, keep em in your coolbox.

Tyre OK as a land anchor but you gotta bury it DEEP. and its hard work, all the 4WD crew I used to knock about with swore by these babies...
Straight Forward Supplies Straight Forward Ground Anchor @ Straight Forward Supplies UK 4x4 Accessories

Best 99 quid inc delivery you will ever spend!
Martyn

Hi Roman,

They have a good following in the US. Obviously not as good as a proper gas MIG, but the next best thing.

exspensive for something you might never use!
 

expensive $599! and I'm suspicious as they offer new circuit boards at $79.99 and new motors at $24.99 on the first page......meaning there must be reliability issues..not something want to see on a bit of kit costing $599!
you would be better off ( IMO) having an arc welder attachment/alternator setup, that way it is ready Instantly although if your engine doesn't run....your Goosed!.... back to the twin batteries!

Martyn

You forgot one thing!
 

Chris

What abour a small vice - you can pre-drill some holes in the bumber or something so it can be bolted on when needed.

Also, a stethoscope - Handy for tracking down strange noises.

Oh - and a Hamlet cigar - incase it all goes pear shaped

Also - a deep socket for the nuts on the top of shock absorbers

Oh yeah - some bailer twine

Cheers

Niallo

Hi niallo, Yes I've got the stethoscope (a long screwdriver will do at a pinch)and a small vice but thats a good idea to pre-drill the bumper.

Intresting point about the deep sockets - not often needed but there are times when a spanner won't fit.

Bailer twine - I live on a farm :thumbup1:

Re: welder - does the arc welder replace the alternator or is it simply an extra bolt on?
Martyn - when the chips are down it has to be the 2 batteries - better than walking so worth carrying a few rods which would also hold up the exhaust if need be

Thanks for the input so far:thumbup1:

Even a LWB 4WD runs out of room ane load ability .. Yes a spare tyre as a ground anchor is a lot of work ... but how often are you really going to use it? Most of the time there will be a passing vehicle all too willing to help.

One intersting tip on the ground anchor is to fill/bury a large builders sack or a parachute. Much lighter than a ground anchor but a lot more shoveling


I have a ply board in the car to sleep on but I'm sure with a few holes in each corner, 2 straps it would work as an anchor.


a good rule of thumb is :- 1 cu m h2o = 1 tonne - sand is a bit heavier but you get the idea:yes:

On board welding kit
 

Well, I said the installation seemed to be smooth, but in reality we ordered some wrong parts, Ghana customs went on lunch and everything slowed right down as it sometimes does with projects here! The welding alternator is from
Mobile DC Welding Equipment Designed for Use in Remote Locations

It has been in use for one month now, every single day out in the forest doing serious welding - CAT undercarriage etc. This is not light or hobby type use and neither are the operators. So far so good, the quality seems really good and our welders reckon it is one of the best welding machines of ANY type they have used. It could make a very useful thing to have under the bonnet. To set it up it is simply a question of swapping a big anderson plug connection to weld instead of charge.
Gil
http://lh4.ggpht.com/gilmour.dickson...A/P1150037.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/gilmour.dickson...M/P1150038.jpg